Bloating after eating is the feeling of fullness that results in gas and a distended stomach. Excessive bloating or bloating that occurs every time you eat may be a sign of a serious gastrointestinal condition. Keep track of what foods you eat and how they affect your digestion. When you meet with your doctor, provide her with this record to help identify your symptoms and which foods are causing them. The most common conditions related to stomach bloating after eating include irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease and food intolerances.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a common digestive disorder that mainly affects the colon. IBS symptoms can vary from person to person but commonly include bloating, gas, abdominal pain, cramping and constipation. Although this condition causes unpleasant symptoms, it doesn't cause inflammation or any damage to your digestive system. The cause of IBS is still unclear, but a modified diet can help manage the symptoms. IBS is a malfunction of the nervous system and not a defect of the digestive system.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a common digestive disease that causes severe bloating after eating wheat products. Gluten is a protein found in wheat and may be found in uncommon places, such as vitamins, medications and lip balms, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The smallest amount of gluten can trigger symptoms within minutes. This condition causes the immune system to damage the lining of the small intestines that absorbs nutrients and proteins into the blood stream. If not treated, this condition can cause severe damage to the gastrointestinal tract and malnutrition.
Food Intolerance
Food intolerances cause bloating after eating because the digestive system cannot properly digest certain sugars and proteins. Food intolerances are not the same as a food allergy because they are defect of the small intestines. For example, if you're lactose intolerant, your body doesn't create enough lactase, the enzyme needed to process lactose, the sugar in milk. Food intolerances cause bloating because increased bacteria in the gut from undigested food.
Consideration
If you develop other symptoms, aside from just bloating, you need to call your doctor. Certain symptoms, such as facial swelling, hives and shortness of breathe are signs of a serious allergic reaction that could lead to death. If you develop severe abdominal pain or see blood in your stool, call your doctor immediately.
